Help with Static Equilibrium question

[bjm5295]

If anyone can help me out, i'd really appreciate it. I'm not necessarily looking for the answer, but more how to get to the answer. Thank a lot.

A uniform ladder of mass m and length L leans at an angle

against a frictionless wall, Fig. 9-61. If the coefficient of static friction between the ladder and the ground is 0.43, what is the minimum angle at which the ladder will not slip?

P.S. Whats theta mean? =X For whatever reason I never learned what it means in Physics 1.

 

[Meir Achuz]

The Greek letter theta is usually used for the angle in such problems.
For your picture, the moment arm for the horizontal force at top of the ladder
is given by L sin(theta). Draw a Free body diagram and work from that.

 

[Doc Al]

As always, start by identifying all the forces acting on the ladder. Actually draw them on your diagram with proper labels.

Once you've done that, apply the conditions for equilibrium, both translational and rotational.

Hint: What's the maximum possible horizontal force that the floor can exert on the ladder?